gilbert727

I graduated in December.

Congrats to all those who were accepted...and to those on the wait list, stay positive! I was wait-listed as well and eventually accepted and I know I wasn't the only one in my class. Mel, they will let you "decelerate," if needed. I never felt like the instructors were trying to weed anyone out. Additionally, I think you will find the accelerated class to be extremely motivated, successful, and supportive of each other, simply because you aren't the traditional student.

fun fact: white scrubs are completely see-through when wet. I had to run across campus in mine during a Florida downpour...passed several people on the way...got to my car and realized you could clearly see my skin and my underpants! glad those days are over! good luck!

Oops, missed a word in there that might make a difference... I should have said, "Otherwise, you probably will print more than usual..." As in, if you don't print your notes, you will print a little more than usual...if you do print your notes, well let's just say you might want to invest in a paper company now!

You can print from the Marshall Center for free (last I checked it was 30 pgs/day), but we were never there. Most people just bring their laptops to class and don't bother with printing the notes. If that's your thing, then yes, you will use LOTS of paper. You probably will print more than usual (weekly clinical logs, assignments, study guides, semester clinical evals, etc.) but nothing to worry about. I think I replaced my ink twice during the whole program? Books are a funny thing. I think we had to purchase the fundamentals package of books (included a couple NCLEX study guides) new, but they may not even do that anymore. The thing is, the publisher they use includes a code with most new books that allows you to download the entire book onto your computer. SO convenient.

For shoes, I wouldn't say they have to be totally white, USF policy says that, but I guess it's up to how strict your instructor is. I doubt a blue nike logo or something would be a problem. I believe the PDA is mandatory now. You also have to purchase software (called Nursing Central, I think?) and it so helpful to be in clinical and hear a drug name or a diagnosis and be able to look it up in seconds. I remembered one other additional expense--the wonderful kaplan program. I think it was $350 or maybe $400. Required to pass preceptorship and possibly even other classes now, I'm not sure. Oh, some people fought that one HARD but the CON wouldn't budge.

Apparently I can't PM yet... Clinical sites-all the big hospitals around here: Morton Plant Mease, St. Joe's, University Community, the VA, etc. I'm not sure how you are assigned to the hospitals since my accelerated group wasn't given a choice that particular semester. We also did some outpatient sites, especially during community. Uniform-white scrubs with a USF patch and white shoes. You pick your own scrubs. 1-2 sets is good at first, I never needed more than 3. Equipment-the only big things are the PDA (not sure what they are using now, I think it is the iTouch or whatever) and a stethoscope. Littmann is strongly recommended, great quality, about $70-80. For accelerated, the first semester was the worst for me because it was a lot of material and a new way of thinking (fundamentals, physical exam & assessment, pharm, and patho). A lot of people really hated the second semester (med-surg 1 and 2 at the same time, and psych) but you get through it. Third is boring. Fourth was my favorite (peds, women's health, leadership, and preceptorship (180 clinical hours on one floor)). You really need to know how to study in a way that works for YOU and to know what the instructor's exams are like. Obviously, that doesn't always work, lol. I know I need all the little details in order to understand the big picture, so I would read the chapters (especially med-surg). But a lot of people got away with studying the powerpoints. Our group broke up the study guides and each did a little part--that worked great, but you have to trust your group. My favorite part is how well my group bonded. We were a big family and it was great. I think all the clinical groups formed some sort of relationship with each other, you have to to get through it. Hope that helps! You can also go on the CON website and find the student handbook. It has a lot of info that may give you more details.

I just graduated from that program (and I think Sehsun helped me when I was first applying...that's funny!). I loved it but it can be stressful. I think the CON is really working with the accelerated group to make it a better experience, which is awesome...for example, they have a separate section of some classes for the accelerated students. good luck!! and go bulls! :)

Oh boy. Well, that's great.

I applied about 2 weeks ago, but I don't think they are taking any more applications. I'm sorry! I wonder if you'll have more luck now that you've passed the NCLEX. I think sometimes my apps don't even get looked at because I leave the license spot blank...just a thought, could be wrong. Congrats on passing though! I know TGH, the VA, St. Joe's, and Lakeland have taken their GN classes already, but I guess you knew that already. Nursing shortage...hah!

Just wondering if anyone else had applied. I'm getting anxious about getting an interview, especially since they plan on starting next Monday...?